Neal Asher is an English science fiction writer, born on 4 February 1961. He resides near Chelmsford. Over the years, Asher has had a diverse career including roles as an engineer, barman, skip lorry driver, coalman, boat window manufacturer, contract grass cutter, and builder. Now, he fully embraces his identity as a writer, a profession he prefers due to its flexibility and creative freedom. He humorously notes that being a writer means he doesn't have to clock-in, change clothes after work, or scrub sensitive parts with detergent.